EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 1/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

EMERGENCY

ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN

SUBJECT: EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS - Emergency floatation gear 

Check of emergency floatation gear installation 

AIRCRAFT 

CONCERNED NUMBER Version(s) 

Civil Military

AS332 25.02.76 L1 M1 

AS532 25.01.62 AL, UL 

EC225 25A142 LP 

EC725 25A060 AP 

Revision No. Date of issue 

Revision 0 2013-09-25 

Summary: 

Check of the routing of the straps on the hinged rods of the emergency floatation gear LH and RH rear cradles. 

Compliance: 

EUROCOPTER renders compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN mandatory, except for paragraph 3.D. 

For the attention of 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 2/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

1. PLANNING INFORMATION 

1.A. EFFECTIVITY 

1.A.1. Helicopters/installed equipment 

EC225 helicopters version LP and EC725 helicopters version AP fitted with emergency floatation gear. 

AS332 helicopters versions L1 and M1, and AS532 helicopters versions AL and UL fitted with emergency 

floatation gear POST MOD OP26277 (installation of emergency floatation gear mobile parts). 

NOTE 1 

Refer to the aircraft individual inspection record (RIC AMS) 

and the aircraft log book to identify the actual modification 

status of the helicopter. 

1.A.2. Non-installed equipment 

Not applicable. 

1.B. ASSOCIATED REQUIREMENTS 

Not applicable. 

1.C. REASON 

On several recently delivered EC225 helicopters, it was observed that the routing of the straps on the hinged 

rods of the emergency floatation gear rear cradles was incorrect. The straps were routed over the hinged 

rod's median plate (Photo 2, Figure 1) instead of under it (Photo 1, Figure 1). 

The investigations have revealed that, for the helicopters listed in paragraph 1.A.1., the descriptive content of 

the maintenance Work Cards and Tasks relevant to the Removal/Installation of the emergency floatation 

gear rear cradle assembly are not specific enough, which can lead to an incorrect routing of the straps at the 

cradle hinged rods. 

NOTE 2 

This lack of precision was not observed in the 

Removal/Installation Task for the rear cradle on the AS332 

helicopter version L2 or AS532 helicopter versions A2 and 

U2. 

In the event of ditching, the incorrect routing of the straps on the articulated rods may cause the rods and/or 

straps to fail, thus modifying the position of the floats. Incorrect float position can lead to the helicopter being 

unstable on the water. 

Consequently, EUROCOPTER renders mandatory the check of the routing of the straps on the rods of the 

floatation gear's rear cradles. 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 3/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

1.D. DESCRIPTION 

Compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN consists in: 

- checking the routing of the straps on the rods of the floatation gear's rear cradles, 

- making the installation compliant if necessary. 

1.E. COMPLIANCE 

1.E.1. Compliance at the works 

Not applicable. 

1.E.2. Compliance in service 

The work on the helicopter is to be performed by the operator. 

Helicopters/installed equipment: 

- Comply with paragraph 3.B.1. at the latest during the next inspection before the first flight of the day 

following receipt of this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN issued on the date indicated at the bottom of the 

page. 

- If necessary, make the installation compliant with the definition as per paragraph 3.B.2. before the next 

offshore flight. 

 Non-installed equipment: 

Not applicable. 

1.F. APPROVAL 

 Approval of modifications: 

Not applicable. 

 Approval of this document: 

The technical information contained in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 0 was approved 

on September 25, 2013 under the authority of EASA Design Organization Approval No. 21J.056 for 

helicopters of civil versions subject to an Airworthiness Certificate. 

The technical information contained in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 0 was approved 

on September 25, 2013 by the EUROCOPTER Airworthiness Department for export military versions. 

The technical information contained in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN Revision 0 was approved 

on September 25, 2013 under the prerogatives of the recognition of design capability FRA21J-002-DGA for 

French Government helicopters.
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 4/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

1.G. MANPOWER 

For compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN, EUROCOPTER recommends the following personnel 

qualifications: 

Qualification: 1 mechanical technician. 

 The time for the operations is given for information purposes, for a standard configuration. 

Time for the operations: - approximately 15 minutes for the check (paragraph 3.B.1.) 

- approximately 30 minutes to make the installation compliant (paragraph 3.B.2.)

1.H. WEIGHT AND BALANCE 

Not applicable. 

1.I. EFFECT ON ELECTRICAL LOADS 

Not applicable. 

1.J. SOFTWARE MODIFICATION EMBODIMENT RECORD 

Not applicable. 

1.K. REFERENCES 

The documents required for compliance with this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN are as follows: 

MET: 25.62.00.402: Emergency floatation gear - Support assembly - cradles: Removal - Installation 

MMA: 25-62-01-064: Emergency floatation gear - Removal - Installation of the rear cradle assembly 

MTC: 20.02.05.404: Joining - Joining by bolts and nuts 

MTC: 20.02.06.404: Safetying and locking assemblies - Safetying with cotter pins 

1.L. DOCUMENTS AFFECTED 

Not applicable.

1.M. INTERCHANGEABILITY OR MIXABILITY OF PARTS 

Not applicable.
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 5/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

2. MATERIAL INFORMATION 

2.A. MATERIAL: PRICE - AVAILABILITY - PROCUREMENT 

For any information concerning the kits and/or components, contact the EUROCOPTER Network Sales & 

Customer Relations Department. 

Order the required quantity (unless otherwise specified) 

from 

EUROCOPTER 

Etablissement de Marignane 

Direction Ventes et Relations Client (ECR) 

13725 MARIGNANE CEDEX 

FRANCE 

NOTE 1 

On the purchase order, please specify the mode of 

transport, the destination and the serial numbers of the 

aircraft to be modified. 

NOTE 2 

For ALERT SERVICE BULLETINS, order by: 

Telex: HELICOP 410 969F 

Fax: +33 (0)4.42.85.99.96.

2.B. INFORMATION CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT 

Not applicable. 

2.C. MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR EACH HELICOPTER/COMPONENT 

 Material to be ordered separately: 

Key word Qty New P/N Item Former P/N → Instruction

 

Cotter pin ALD 23310CA025030 1 23310CA025030 

To be ordered if 

complying with 

paragraph 

3.B.2. 

 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 6/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

 Products to be ordered separately: 

As per Work Cards and Tasks mentioned in this ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN and listed below: 

 

Key word Qty Product P/N CM Item 

 

Snap wire dia.0.3 mm (.012 in.) A/R 23321 / 2 

The products can be ordered separately from the INTERTURBINE AVIATION LOGISTICS company. 

Website: http://www.interturbine.com

 Telephone: +49.41.91.809.300 

AOG: +49.41.91.809.444 

2.D. MATERIAL TO BE RETURNED 

Not applicable. 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 7/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

3. ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS 

3.A. GENERAL 

NOTE 

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the LH cradle. The RH cradle 

installation is identical. 

3.B. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE 

3.B.1. Check (Figure 1) 

- For each LH and RH rear cradle, check the strap installation (a) on the rods (b). The strap (a) must be 

installed in compliance with Photo 1, Figure 1. (The strap (a) must not be covered by the plate (c)). 

. If the strap assembly (a) is correctly installed (Photo 1), leave as is. 

. If at least one strap (a) is incorrectly installed (Photo 2), install the strap(s) (a) in compliance with 

Photo 1 and as per paragraph 3.B.2.: 

3.B.2. Compliance with definition (Figures 1 to 3) 

3.B.2.a. Compliance with the definition of the front strap (Figures 1 and 2) 

- Unlock the rod (b) from the spring (w) (Detail B, Figure 2). 

- Disconnect the reel (h) from the rod (b): 

. remove and discard the pin (d), 

. remove the nut (e), washer (f) and bolt (g). 

- Take the reel (h) out of the rod (b). 

- Remove the strap (a) from the reel (h) without removing the strap (v). 

- Route the strap (a) in compliance with Photo 1, Figure 1 and Detail B, Figure 2. 

- Install the strap (a) (Detail B, Figure 2) on the reel (h). The strap (v) must be positioned between the two 

strands of strap (a). 

- Insert the reel (h) in the rod (b). 

- Connect the reel (h) to the rod (b): 

. install the bolt (g), washer (f) and nut (e), 

. torque-tighten the nut (e) as per Figure 2, 

. lock the nut (e) using a pin (1) as per MTC Work Card 20.02.06.404. 

- Pivot the rod (b) towards the interior while coiling the strap (v). 

- Lock the rod (b) with the spring (w). 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 8/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

3.B.2.b. Compliance with the definition of the rear strap (Figures 1 and 3) 

- Disconnect the reel (s) (Detail C, Figure 3) from the rod (b): 

. cut the snap wires (i) and (j), 

. unhook the elastic cord (k), 

. remove and discard the pin (m), 

. remove the nut (n), washer (p), bolt (q) and stop (r). 

- Take the reel (s) out of the rod (b). 

- Remove the strap (a) from the reel (s) without removing the strap (u). 

- Route the strap (a) in compliance with Photo 1, Figure 1 and Detail C, Figure 3. 

- Install the strap (a) (Detail C, Figure 3) on the reel (s). The strap (u) must be positioned between the two 

strands of strap (a). 

- Insert the reel (s) in the rod (b). 

- Connect the reel (s) to the rod (b): 

. install the stop (r), bolt (q), washer (p) and nut (n), 

. torque-tighten the nut (n) as per Figure 3, 

. lock the nut (n) using a pin (1) as per MTC Work Card 20.02.06.404.

- Position the stop (r) of rod (b) in contact with rod (t). 

- Hook the elastic cord (k) in position. 

- Coil the strap (u) around the rod (b). 

- Loop the snap wire (2) around three times in order to hold the strap (u) onto the 

rod (b) (Detail D, Figure 3). 

- Loop snap wire (2) ten times around the lower rear fitting, passing over rod (t) and into the holes of 

rod (b) (Detail E, Figure 3). 

3.C. IDENTIFICATION 

 Identification of this document: 

Record compliance with this document and its revision number in the helicopter documents. 

3.D. OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 

3.D.1. Operating instructions 

Not applicable. 

3.D.2. Maintenance instructions 

When removing or installing the rear cradles of the emergency flotation gear (as per MET Work 

Card 25.62.00.402 or MMA Task 25-62-01-064): 

- remove and install the straps (a) in compliance with paragraph 3.B.2. of this ALERT SERVICE 

BULLETIN. 

The Maintenance Manual (MET) and Aircraft Maintenance Manual (MMA) will integrate these 

instructions in a future revision. Following the integration of these instructions in the Maintenance 

Manual (MET) and Aircraft Maintenance Manual (MMA), refer to them. 

 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 9/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

Figure 1 - Check of the installation 

PHOTO 2: INCORRECT INSTALLATION 

a 

b 

c 

PHOTO 1: CORRECT INSTALLATION

c 

b 

a 

b 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 10/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

Figure 2 - Installation of the front strap

a 

a 

b 

b 

g 

h 

d 

1 

f e 

w v 
 

 EASB

Revision 0 2013-09-25 Page 11/11 

This document is available on the internet: www.eurocopter.com/techpub

Figure 3 - Installation of the rear strap 

a 

b 

q 

s m 

1 

n 

p 

r 

a 

b 

u 

u 

t 

b 

j 

2 i 

2 

j 

2 

i 

2 

k 

t